
The Chairman of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, also spoke in the European Parliament about the investment in Zvërnec and the Vlora airport.
Balla said that in the place where the Vlora airport is currently being built, there was previously an airport built by the Italians.
According to Balla, it is not the environmental impact that is the reason for opposing the construction of the airport in Vlora, but competition from neighboring countries.
"From the Albanian Parliament, I have also registered to say 2 words on this topic. It was deliberately done so that the 2 parks, Vjosa and Narta, are 'merged' and mentioned as one. We are the only country in Europe that has such a park as Vjosa. You should learn from us, don't teach us lessons. Regarding the Vlora Airport, you should know that there was an airport there a long time ago. It was an airport built by the Italians. We need a port in the south of Albania and the fight for the Vlora airport is not about environmental issues, but about competition. We need an airport in the south. We hope that next year we will be able to fly from Vlora to Strasbourg. I would invite you to come and carry out a fact-finding mission all together, not to get likes, but to see what the situation is like on the ground", said Balla, among other things.
Further, speaking about 'Zvërnec', Balla said that there is still no permit issued for the construction of the resort, while adding that the impact that the investment will have on the environment will be studied.
Balla added that the Government's goal is to promote sustainable tourism, to create as many jobs as possible.
"In 2014, we introduced a hunting moratorium to preserve the lives of flamingos. 21.7% of the entire territory of our country is a protected area. We have 12 category 2 national parks, we have 11 protected landscapes. The area of land you mentioned is private land. What was said was not correct. No permit has been issued yet. The environmental impact will assess the potential impacts on habitat and water resources. There will be transparency with the local community. Our goal is to promote sustainable tourism, which creates jobs. Because we need more jobs. We are convinced that we will attract investments and will guarantee and protect all environmental aspects. The greatest fight for democracy is the fight against disinformation and it is a fight that we must all carry out together," Balla added.